BSP extends deadline for exchange of old banknotes

(File photo) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said old banknotes can be exchanged for new ones until March 31, 2017.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) extends the deadline for exchanging old banknotes to the new series.

On Wednesday, the BSP said old bills can now be exchanged for new tender until March 31, 2017. After this date, the old bills will have no value and will not be accepted for transactions. Banks will also no longer accept these after the deadline.

The BSP began its demonetization program in 2010 with the launch of new banknotes called New Generation Currency. These have updated security features, designs and colors.

The old-generation bills called New Design Series were not allowed for transaction beginning Jan. 1, 2016, but the BSP said these can be exchanged at authorized banks and BSP offices until the end of 2016.